Roddick Out of Rome - 網球

Roddick Out of Rome

http://www.andyroddick.com/1820/roddick-out-of-rome/

May 12th, 2006 03:41 pm

Andy Roddick’s fine run in Rome ended tonight at the hands of French
teenager Gael Monfils. Struggling with a shoulder injury, Andy succumbed to a
6-2, 6-3 defeat.

Monfils, who enjoyed an evening of outstanding tennis, took an early break
from the American to establish a 2-1 lead. Andy had a chance to break back as
he produced a 0-40 advantage, but strong serving from the 6’4” Frenchman
saw him out of trouble. Andy tried to mix up his game with some serve and
volleying, but two stunning forehands from Monfils gave the Parisian a second
break and a 4-1 lead.

At the sit down, Andy, troubled by a shoulder injury called for the ATP
trainer. He explained to Bill Norris that “I can’t roll it. It’s feeling
worse than it did yesterday.”

Placing a cap backwards on his head, a determined and gritty Andy Roddick
worked hard in the rallies and produced some powerful ground strokes to earn
one break of serve back. Hampered by the damp conditions which aggravated his
shoulder, Andy struggled with his own serve and Monfils immediately
recaptured the double break. Serving out the set to love, Monfils stamped his
dominance on the quarterfinal.

Monfils carried his advantage and momentum into the second set and set
himself up with an early break. In a bid to stay in touch with the fired up
Frenchman, Andy mixed up his play, throwing in some drop shots to hold serve.
At 4-2 Monfils produced more brilliance with a backhand pass to help secure a
double break. With Monfils serving for the match, a gutsy Andy Roddick,
compensating for his shoulder, played some solid and punishing backhands to
keep himself in the rallies. Although able to briefly halt the young French
star, Andy could not deny Monfils a well earned victory as he claimed the
match 6-3.


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"I'm not trying to hide from Federer. The more we play, THE BETTER."
-Ivan Ljubicic

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